Attractions of Sydney Australia: Things you must see and do

Visiting Sydney is a must for any traveler in Australia. Sydney located on the Australian East Coast is Australia’s largest city and is the capital of New South Wales. Sydney is also the first area settled by Europeans when they landed in 1788 however the city also has a rich Aboriginal cultural and historical significance. It's also a city very different to other Australian capital cities such as Brisbane and Melbourne.

There are loads of Sydney attractions to see whether you're in Sydney for a backpacking holiday or something a little more upmarket. Perhaps most famous for the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge the city also many other spectacular things to see and do. I was lucky enough to live in Sydney for a few years and got to know the place well enough to offer some inside information for your next trip.

Absolute must dos:

• Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge-fee involved but worth every cent come rail, hail or shine
• Visit the Sydney Opera House
• Spend a few hours at Darling Harbour

Must things to do for the family:

Spend a day at Taronga Zoo-take the ferry across Sydney harbour from Circular Quay

Head up AMP Tower for 360 degree views of the city

Visit the Sydney Museum

Visit the Sydney Aquarium

Spend a few hours at Luna Park

Must visit beaches:

• Bondi Beach
• Manly Beach
• Northern Beaches:Palm Beach, Curl Curl, Dee Why and Narrabeen

Must dos for romantics:

• A walk around Circular Quay
• Dinner for two at the revolving restaurant AMP Tower in the city-Centrepoint as it used to be known
• Lunch at Doyles Seafood
• A night at the Laugh Garage Comedy Club opposite Hyde Park or in Parramatta
• Spend an afternoon wandering around the Historic Rocks area of Sydney

Must see secret things to do & see

• Wander around Norton Street Leichhardt for wonder Italian eateries and shops
• Spend the day at Olympic Park at Homebush, home to the 2000 Olympic Games
• See a game of rugby league. Footy season is colder months (march to October). Games are on at various grounds such as Homebush (Olympic Stadium), Randwick Sydney Football Stadium, Brookvale Stadium, Parramatta Stadium, Leichhardt Stadium and so on

How to get around:

• Getting the train around Sydney is by far the easiest way to get around.
• Take the ferry over to places like Taronga Zoo and Manly.
• Bondi beach is a little harder to get to but the bus network is also very good in Sydney

I was once heard Sydney described as a playground and that is not far wrong. It is one of the most spectacular cities in Australia. There is something for everyone with surf beaches that rival the Gold Coast, walks, dining and plenty of activities.

Other great travel information about Australia: